As the biomedical engineering field expands throughout the world, clinical engineers play an evermore-important role as translators between the medical, engineering, and business professions. They influence procedure and policy at research facilities, universities, as well as private and government agencies including the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization. The profession of clinical engineering continues to seek its place amidst the myriad of professionals that comprise the health care field. The Clinical Engineering Handbook meets a long felt need for a comprehensive book on all aspects of clinical engineering that is a suitable reference in hospitals, classrooms, workshops, and governmental and non-governmental organization. The Handbook’s thirteen sections address the following areas: Clinical Engineering; Models of Clinical Engineering Practice; Technology Management; Safety Education and Training; Design, Manufacture, and Evaluation and Control of Medical Devices; Utilization and Service of Medical Devices; Information Technology; and Professionalism and Ethics. The Clinical Engineering Handbook provides the reader with prospects for the future of clinical engineering as well as guidelines and standards for best practice around the world. From telemedicine and IT issues, to sanitation and disaster planning, it brings together all the important aspects of clinical engineering.* Clinical Engineers are the safety and quality faciltators in all medical facilities. * The most definitive, comprehensive, and up-to-date book available on the subject of clinical engineering.* Over 170 contributions by leaders in the field of clinical engineering...

Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics merges two long-running serials--Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics and Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy. The series features extended articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science and digital image processing, electromagnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy, and the computing methods used in all these domains...

The Laboratory Computer: A Practical Guide for Physiologists and Neuroscientists introduces the reader to both the basic principles and the actual practice of recording physiological signals using the computer. It describes the basic operation of the computer, the types of transducers used to measure physical quantities such as temperature and pressure, how these signals are amplified and converted into digital form, and the mathematical analysis techniques that can then be applied. It is aimed at the physiologist or neuroscientist using modern computer data acquisition systems in the laboratory, providing both an understanding of how such systems work and a guide to their purchase and implementation.Written by an expert in the field, the book presents:· The key facts and concepts that are vital for the effective use of computer data acquisition systems;· A unique overview of the commonly available laboratory hardware and software, including both commercial and free software;· A practical guide to designing one's own or choosing commercial data acquisition hardware and software...

Far-from-equilibrium phenomena, while abundant in nature, are not nearly as well understood as their equilibrium counterparts. On the theoretical side, progress is slowed by the lack of a simple framework, such as the Boltzmann-Gbbs paradigm in the case of equilibrium thermodynamics. On the experimental side, the enormous structural complexity of real systems poses serious obstacles to comprehension.Similar difficulties have been overcome in equilibrium statistical mechanics by focusing on model systems. Even if they seem too simplistic for known physical systems, models give us considerable insight, provided they capture the essential physics. They serve as important theoretical testing grounds where the relationship between the generic physical behavior and the key ingredients of a successful theory can be identified and understood in detail.Within the vast realm of non-equilibrium physics, driven diffusive systems form a subset with particularly interesting properties. As a prototype model for these systems, the driven lattice gas was introduced roughly a decade ago. Since then, a number of surprising phenomena have been discovered including singular correlations at generic temperatures, as well as novel phase transitions, universality classes, and interfacial instabilities. This book summarizes current knowledge on driven systems, from apedagogical discussion of the original driven lattice gas to a brief survey of related models. Given that the topic is far from closed, much emphasis is placed on detailing open questions and unsolved problems as an incentive for the reader to pursue thesubject further.Provides a summary of current knowledge on driven diffusive systemsEmphasis is placed on detailing open questions and unsolved problemsCovers the entire subject from original driven lattice gas to a survey of related models..

Related Annealing Phenomena fulfils the information needs of materials scientists in both industry and academia. The subjects treated in the book are all active research areas, forming a major part of at least four regular international conference series. This new 2nd edition ensures the reader has access to the latest findings, essential to those working at the forefront of research in universities and laboratories. For those in industry, the book highlights applications of the research and technologically important examples. In particular, the 2nd edition builds on the significant progress made recently in the following key areas:• Deformed state, including deformation to very large strains• Characterisation of microstructures by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)• Modelling and simulation of annealing. • Continuous recrystallization.* Fully revised and up-to-date, the 2nd edition highlights the significant progress made recently in this important area of research * Detailed coverage, much more comprehensive treatment than is found in textbooks on physical metallurgy bridges the gap between theory and practice by examining the application of quantitative, physically based models to metal forming processes..

Non-selective inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE), such as theophylline, have been used extensively since 1958. In the decade of the '70s, various PDE isoenzymes were defined which led to the development of the second generation of PDE inhibitors. Currently a variety of these new inhibitors are under test as potential anti-inflammatory drugs. During the past five years, molecular biology has revealed a superfamily of these phosphodiesterase isoenzymes. This book summarizes the present state of knowledge, as well as giving a comprehensive description of the compounds available. It will be invaluable for everyone who wants to choose the most suitable PDE inhibitor for their research or who is dealing with such drugs in a clinical setting.Key Features* Utilizes actual testing and research of new PDE inhibitors* Valuable for researchers and students alike..

Comprehensive and impeccably edited, Neural Networks in QSAR and Drug Design is the first book to present an all-inclusive coverage of the topic. The book provides a practice-oriented introduction to the different neural network paradigms, allowing the reader to easily understand and reproduce the results demonstrated. Numerous examples are detailed, demonstrating a variety of applications to QSAR and drug design. The contributors include some of the most distinguished names in the field, and the book provides an exhaustive bibliography, guiding readers to all the literature related to a particular type of application or neural network paradigm. The extensive index acts as a guide to the book, and makes retrieving information from chapters an easy task. A further research aid is a list of software with indications of availablility and price, as well as the editors scale rating the ease of use and interest/price ratio of each software package. The presentation of new, powerful tools for modeling molecular properties and the inclusion of many important neural network paradigms, coupled with extensive reference aids, makes Neural Networks in QSAR and Drug Design an essential reference source for those on the frontiers of this field.Key Features* Presents the first coverage of neural networks in QSAR and Drug Design* Allows easy understanding and reproduction of the results described within* Includes an exhaustive bibliography with more than 200 references* Provides a list of applicable software packages with availability and price..

This essential methods manual for immunohematologists (or hematologists and immunohematologists) provides information on genes that encode antigens on red blood cells, platelets and neutrophils. The book begins by covering general concepts in molecular biology and specific protocols such as DNA preparation, PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR. Information on the erythrocyte, platelet and neutrophil antigen systems and the molecular basis of polymorphisms are presented clearly in a gene facts sheet format. Database accession numbers and useful adjuncts such as Request forms, worksheets for PCR/enzyme digests also serve to benefit the user. The information is clearly presented and easily accessible and is complemented by the excellent diagrams and tabular material. This book is invaluable for both new and experienced researchers in the field and other related disciplines.Key Features* Essential for hematologists and those involoved in tissue typing and the study of human genetic polymorphisms* Presents clearly and concisely the information on a particular variant and the technique used to detect it* Organized by antigen and provides sequences of polymorphisms and primers* Details the general concepts and critical information on genes, their products, and sources of relevant nucleic acids* Includes protocols that allow investigators to set up assays with minimal effort (protocols include primers, reagents, reaction conditions, sizes of amplified products, restriction fragment digests, and the relevant safety information)* Provides information that helps interpret results in clinical settings* Contains additional sources of information (e.g., key references, web site addresses, glossary, Database accession numbers, requestforms, and worksheets for PCR/enzyme digests)..

Genetic Algorithms in Molecular Modeling is the first book available on the use of genetic algorithms in molecular design. This volume marks the beginning of an ew series of books, Principles in Qsar and Drug Design, which will be an indispensible reference for students and professionals involved in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, (eco)toxicology, and agrochemistry. Each comprehensive chapter is written by a distinguished researcher in the field.Through its up to the minute content, extensive bibliography, and essential information on software availability, this book leads the reader from the theoretical aspects to the practical applications. It enables the uninitiated reader to apply genetic algorithms for modeling the biological activities and properties of chemicals, and provides the trained scientist with the most up to date information on the topic.. Extremely topical and timely. Sets the foundations for the development of computer-aided tools for solving numerous problems in QSAR and drug design. Written to be accessible without prior direct experience in genetic algorithms..

It is well recognized that there is an intimate and reciprocal interaction between epilepsy and sleep. The book, Epilepsy and Sleep is a ground-breaking, comprehensive source for exploring this correlation and is especially timely because of the considerable growth in the understanding of the physiology underlying both sleep and epilepsy. An insightful reference, it presents many of the complex physiologic mechanisms underlying epilepsy--sleep interaction and highlights sleeping disorder symptoms that may be related to epilepsy.The annual cost of treating epilepsy in the United States is an estimated $12.5 billion, according to a report issued January 2000 by The Epilepsy Foundation. The Foundation also reports that more than 180,000 Americans develop epilepsy each year. However, thousands more cases may be misdiagnosed as sleeping disorders, causing these figures to jump significantly. This correlation and diagnosis can help determine the correct type of medication to administer to regulate the symptoms, in turn saving hundreds of hours of lost time at work and millions of dollars.Key Features* Provides the first comprehensive source of information available on the correlation between epilepsy and sleep* Outlines sleeping disorder symptoms which may in fact be caused by epilepsy* Well illustrated, easy-to-read text* An essential text for epileptologists, psychiatrists, physicians, and sleep disorder therapists* Written by internationally recognized experts in the field..

Chemistry and Physics of Stratospheric Ozone will provide an in-depth account of chemical and physical properties of stratospheric ozone, which will be valuable to a wide audience.The research of the last decade has produced as many arguments as answers, and the author provides a good account of both the accepted and provocative resolutions.* Focuses on the important aspects of stratospheric ozone that are needed to understand most of the literature* Provides extensive discussion of the natural and human-induced changes to the "ozone layer"* Includes homework problems at the end of each chapter..

Modern Cosmology begins with an introduction to the smooth, homogeneous universe described by a Friedman-Robertson-Walker metric, including careful treatments of dark energy, big bang nucleosynthesis, recombination, and dark matter. From this starting point, the reader is introduced to perturbations about an FRW universe: their evolution with the Einstein-Boltzmann equations, their generation by primordial inflation, and their observational consequences. These consequences include the anisotropy spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) featuring acoustic peaks and polarization, the matter power spectrum with baryonic wiggles, and their detection via photometric galaxy surveys, redshift distortions, cluster abundances, and weak lensing. The book concludes with a long chapter on data analysis. Modern Cosmology is the first book to explain in detail the structure of the acoustic peaks in the CMB, the E/B decomposition in polarization which may allow for detection of primordial gravity waves, and the modern analysis techniques used on increasingly large cosmological data sets. Readers will gain the tools needed to work in cosmology and learn how modern observations are rapidly revolutionizing our picture of the universe.* Provides foundations, calculations, and interpretations which illuminate current thinking in cosmology * Covers the major advances in cosmology over the past decade* Includes over 100 unique, pedagogical figures..

Modern Cosmology begins with an introduction to the smooth, homogeneous universe described by a Friedman-Robertson-Walker metric, including careful treatments of dark energy, big bang nucleosynthesis, recombination, and dark matter. From this starting point, the reader is introduced to perturbations about an FRW universe: their evolution with the Einstein-Boltzmann equations, their generation by primordial inflation, and their observational consequences. These consequences include the anisotropy spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) featuring acoustic peaks and polarization, the matter power spectrum with baryonic wiggles, and their detection via photometric galaxy surveys, redshift distortions, cluster abundances, and weak lensing. The book concludes with a long chapter on data analysis. Modern Cosmology is the first book to explain in detail the structure of the acoustic peaks in the CMB, the E/B decomposition in polarization which may allow for detection of primordial gravity waves, and the modern analysis techniques used on increasingly large cosmological data sets. Readers will gain the tools needed to work in cosmology and learn how modern observations are rapidly revolutionizing our picture of the universe.* Provides foundations, calculations, and interpretations which illuminate current thinking in cosmology * Covers the major advances in cosmology over the past decade* Includes over 100 unique, pedagogical figures..

Modern Cosmology begins with an introduction to the smooth, homogeneous universe described by a Friedman-Robertson-Walker metric, including careful treatments of dark energy, big bang nucleosynthesis, recombination, and dark matter. From this starting point, the reader is introduced to perturbations about an FRW universe: their evolution with the Einstein-Boltzmann equations, their generation by primordial inflation, and their observational consequences. These consequences include the anisotropy spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) featuring acoustic peaks and polarization, the matter power spectrum with baryonic wiggles, and their detection via photometric galaxy surveys, redshift distortions, cluster abundances, and weak lensing. The book concludes with a long chapter on data analysis. Modern Cosmology is the first book to explain in detail the structure of the acoustic peaks in the CMB, the E/B decomposition in polarization which may allow for detection of primordial gravity waves, and the modern analysis techniques used on increasingly large cosmological data sets. Readers will gain the tools needed to work in cosmology and learn how modern observations are rapidly revolutionizing our picture of the universe.* Provides foundations, calculations, and interpretations which illuminate current thinking in cosmology * Covers the major advances in cosmology over the past decade* Includes over 100 unique, pedagogical figures..

Modern Cosmology begins with an introduction to the smooth, homogeneous universe described by a Friedman-Robertson-Walker metric, including careful treatments of dark energy, big bang nucleosynthesis, recombination, and dark matter. From this starting point, the reader is introduced to perturbations about an FRW universe: their evolution with the Einstein-Boltzmann equations, their generation by primordial inflation, and their observational consequences. These consequences include the anisotropy spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) featuring acoustic peaks and polarization, the matter power spectrum with baryonic wiggles, and their detection via photometric galaxy surveys, redshift distortions, cluster abundances, and weak lensing. The book concludes with a long chapter on data analysis. Modern Cosmology is the first book to explain in detail the structure of the acoustic peaks in the CMB, the E/B decomposition in polarization which may allow for detection of primordial gravity waves, and the modern analysis techniques used on increasingly large cosmological data sets. Readers will gain the tools needed to work in cosmology and learn how modern observations are rapidly revolutionizing our picture of the universe.* Provides foundations, calculations, and interpretations which illuminate current thinking in cosmology * Covers the major advances in cosmology over the past decade* Includes over 100 unique, pedagogical figures..

Modern Cosmology begins with an introduction to the smooth, homogeneous universe described by a Friedman-Robertson-Walker metric, including careful treatments of dark energy, big bang nucleosynthesis, recombination, and dark matter. From this starting point, the reader is introduced to perturbations about an FRW universe: their evolution with the Einstein-Boltzmann equations, their generation by primordial inflation, and their observational consequences. These consequences include the anisotropy spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) featuring acoustic peaks and polarization, the matter power spectrum with baryonic wiggles, and their detection via photometric galaxy surveys, redshift distortions, cluster abundances, and weak lensing. The book concludes with a long chapter on data analysis. Modern Cosmology is the first book to explain in detail the structure of the acoustic peaks in the CMB, the E/B decomposition in polarization which may allow for detection of primordial gravity waves, and the modern analysis techniques used on increasingly large cosmological data sets. Readers will gain the tools needed to work in cosmology and learn how modern observations are rapidly revolutionizing our picture of the universe.* Provides foundations, calculations, and interpretations which illuminate current thinking in cosmology * Covers the major advances in cosmology over the past decade* Includes over 100 unique, pedagogical figures..